Metoclopramide tablets

What is this medicine?

METOCLOPRAMIDE (met oh kloe PRA mide) is used to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) like heartburn. It is also used to treat people with slow emptying of the stomach and intestinal tract.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, about 30 minutes before eating. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

abnormal production of milk in females

breast enlargement in both males and females

change in the way you walk

difficulty moving, speaking or swallowing

drooling, lip smacking, or rapid movements of the tongue

excessive sweating

fever

involuntary or uncontrollable movements of the eyes, head, arms and legs

irregular heartbeat or palpitations

muscle twitches and spasms

unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

breast cancer

depression

diabetes

heart failure

high blood pressure

kidney disease

liver disease

Parkinson's disease or a movement disorder

pheochromocytoma

seizures

stomach obstruction, bleeding, or perforation

an unusual or allergic reaction to metoclopramide, procainamide, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

It may take a few weeks for your stomach condition to start to get better. However, do not take this medicine for longer than 12 weeks. The longer you take this medicine, and the more you take it, the greater your chances are of developing serious side effects. If you are an elderly patient, a female patient, or you have diabetes, you may be at an increased risk for side effects from this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you start having movements you cannot control such as lip smacking, rapid movements of the tongue, involuntary or uncontrollable movements of the eyes, head, arms and legs, or muscle twitches and spasms.

Patients and their families should watch out for worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. Also watch out for any sudden or severe changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose, call your doctor.

Do not treat yourself for high fever. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.